World Series: Why Los Angeles Dodgers & Shohei Ohtani are set for MLB dynasty

Utley credits Andrew Friedman – the Dodgers’ 47-year-old president of baseball operations – with leading that approach.

He joined in 2014 from the Tampa Bay Rays – based in one of MLB’s smallest markets with one of its lowest payrolls, yet transformed by Friedman into post-season contenders.

“He put their team together for a lot less than other teams were spending,” said Utley. “Now he’s at a much bigger organisation, with a bigger chequebook, and has taken the same philosophy.

“He has a unique way of consolidating talent and finding talent, but not necessarily paying for it. The Dodgers have spent some money, but they’re not grabbing every free agent, they’re picking and choosing wisely.”

Japanese stars Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto were the Dodgers’ big signings in free agency and both shone this season.

The Dodgers also leaned on homegrown players and some released by other teams. They had to deal with a spate of injuries to pitchers, too.

“It takes more than just one or two players to win a World Series,” adds Utley.

“With the injuries, you’re constantly rotating guys in and out, bringing guys up from the minor leagues. The Dodgers had prepared those players not only to come up to the major league level but into a championship-calibre atmosphere, and the young guys didn’t shy away from that.”